An Irish man who is stuck on the Greek island of Rhodes is advising hopeful holidaymakers to "consider not coming".

Thousands of holidaymakers and locals have been forced to evacuate parts of the island because of wildfires over the past five days.

The fires were brought on by extreme temperatures of over 40C, with four areas in the southeast of the island evacuated after winds drove flames towards the coast.

 

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On Newstalk Breakfast, Keith Evans, from Dublin said he was evacuated on Saturday after Greek authorities sent out an island-wide alert.

"Three o'clock in the morning we had coaches arrive at the hotel and then they evacuated," he said.

"We were put into a school with loads of other people; no facilities in it, no water, it was 38 degrees in the middle of the night. So, it was very hot and uncomfortable."

Mr Evans said the conditions at the school led to several people suffering from health complications.

"An Irish lady was taken away in an ambulance, she became unwell and obviously her family were upset about it," he said.

Flames rise during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, 22/07/2023. Image: Argyris Mantikos/Eurokinissi/ Alamy

Mr Evans and his sons decided to leave the school and go to the airport to try to secure a flight home.

"We just couldn't get any flights – we tried everything to get flights," he said.

"We're on our way back now to Lindos on a coach, we've been told by the authorities that it's safe to go back.

"We did the same yesterday after the airport, but we were evacuated for the second time last night and brought to a sports hall."

The Lindos Grand Hotel and spa is evacuated 23rd July, 2023. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images) in Lindos, Greece on 7/23/2023. Credit: Sipa USA/Alamy Live News

Mr Evans said hopeful holidaymakers who are planning on travelling to the south of the island should "consider not coming".

"I would talk to a travel agent or your airlines before you come out and make sure that it's safe out here," he said.

A shift in the wind yesterday evening has meant that Mr Evans and his family can "smell and taste" the smoke in the air.

"That was concerning last night and as we were driving back out at midnight, you could see the fire and you could see the smoke," he said.

"You have concern for yourself and your family."

Tourists stand on a beach after being evacuated during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, 22/07/2023. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) president, Paul Hackett said anyone who booked a holiday to Rhodes through a travel agent will be eligible to reschedule their flights.

"Consumers who have booked with travel agents have a lot more protection and duty of care protection than anybody who is on a do-it-yourself arrangement," he said.

In a statement released by the ITAA, Irish tourists in Rhodes are advised to "follow local advice".

"If you are in an area affected and have been advised to evacuate, please do so and keep in contact with the local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively, contact your tour operator or the travel agent you booked your holiday with for assistance.

Clouds of smoke from a forest fire rise to the sky on the island of Rhodes, Greece, 22/07/2023. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens to be alert, to stay away from the affected areas and to follow the instructions from the emergency services and local authorities.

“If citizens are in immediate danger, they are urged to call the Greek Emergency Services on 112. Anyone in need of consular assistance can call the Embassy of Ireland in Greece on +30 2107232771 or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes on +30 2241075655. If in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs HQ can be contacted on 01 4082527.”